How to guides

Concrete is made up of cement, aggregate (particles of stone) and sharp sand. When you mix these ingredients with water, they bind into a solid, hard material. In different proportions, they produce concrete of different strengths for different uses.

It's important to get the proportions right. If there's too much aggregate, you'll struggle to get a satisfactory finish. And too much sand will make the mix weak, so that the finished surface could be damaged by the elements.

Concrete begins to harden after about two hours, and then becomes unworkable. But it doesn't become really strong for several days, and continues to harden as long as there's some moisture in it.

Buying guides

Attractive and practical, decking is a great landscaping option for outdoor spaces of any size.

It works well in large and medium-sized gardens, distinguishing a special spot for socialising or relaxing; as well as smaller spaces such as balconies and roof terraces, where it can create the feel of an outdoor oasis in the midst of the city. Decking complements modern styles, as well as more rural or country gardens. And the natural feel of timber evokes the sensation of being waterside or by the beach - perfect for that American boardwalk look. In fact, if you have, or are looking to add, a hot tub or swimming pool to your garden, consider laying a decked border around it - we offer low-slip boards which are ideal for this very purpose.

So whether you're tackling a small-scale decking project or something more substantial, we're here to help you find the right decking for you and your space.

Plan your deck

It's essential to do your preparation before beginning your decking project – whether you’re starting from scratch or are updating what you have currently. So check out our step-by-step guide to planning your decking, it'll steer you in the right direction before you start buying any boards and fixtures.